Hey Guys, I don't know too much about trade dollars but I got this one today and it has a lot of chops on it. I know that there may be some controversy in whether the chops increase or decrease the value. Anyway, I'd love to hear your opinions!
For my type set, I'd like a MS-64 without chops, and a VF-XF with, and a list of translations of the chops.
Whoever teaches Chinese language courses at Ohio State; $20 ought to handle a dozen chops. I don't know if they're merchants' names or what?
I think they're the Chinese equivalent of merchant counterstamps. From https://www.littletoncoin.com/webap...1|-1||LearnNav|Chop-Marked-Trade-Dollars.html:
I'm afraid yours would sell lower than an unmarked piece due to the amount of damage on the obverse when they put the chops on the reverse . If there was negligible damage it might sell for the same price , as most Trade dollar collectors like unchopped pieces though this is changing . I've seen some TDs sell for the same as one unchopped if it has one or two chops neatly done .
64s are beautiful coins , and not cheap at all . The best I have is a 61 and now I stick to AU coins with original skins . I'd love to see the 64 when you get it , as I'm sure it will be a beauty as not too many grade that high . Most years only have a couple grade 65 as to the rough handling they received .
I think chop marks should give a mild increase on value (after accounting for the damage done to detail on the coin). So, I would pay a few bucks mor for an XF coin with chopmarks vs. another XF coin, but substantially less than I would for a Choice XF.
